How to Tell Your Car Type

You can identify your car type by checking your registration or insurance card, reading badges and labels on the vehicle, and decoding your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) with an official decoder; visual cues like door count and cargo layout also reveal body style (sedan, SUV, hatchback, etc.). Below, we explain what “car type” can mean and provide step-by-step ways—documents, on‑car labels, and online tools—to determine it accurately.

What “car type” can mean

Different people and documents use “car type” to mean different things. Understanding which facet you need will guide what to check.

• Make, model, and year (e.g., Toyota Camry 2021)
• Body style (sedan, hatchback, SUV, crossover, wagon, coupe, convertible, pickup, minivan/MPV)
• Trim level and options (e.g., EX, Limited, LTZ; packages like Sport or Technology)
• Drivetrain (FWD, RWD, AWD/4WD) and transmission (manual, automatic, CVT)
• Fuel/propulsion (gasoline, diesel, hybrid, plug‑in hybrid, electric)
• Vehicle class/segment (compact, midsize, full‑size; light truck; category like M1/N1 in Europe)
• Generation/chassis code (e.g., BMW E90, Honda FK8, Toyota XA50)
• Market specification (USDM, EUDM, JDM), which can change features and naming

Once you know which definition applies, you can quickly pinpoint the right sources—paperwork, labels, or online decoders—to get the exact details.

Fast ways to identify your car type

Check official documents

Paperwork tied to your vehicle usually lists the key identifiers for make, model, body type, and more.

• Registration/insurance card: Often shows year, make, model, body type/class, and the full VIN.
• Title (or V5C in the UK, EU registration certificate): Includes VIN, make/model, year, and vehicle category (e.g., M1 passenger, N1 goods).
• Window sticker/Monroney (if available): Lists trim, engine, drivetrain, options, and packages for US‑market new cars.
• Owner’s manual cover or service booklet: Model and engine family often noted.
• Service invoices and dealer records: Typically include VIN and trim/engine details.

Because these documents are tied to the VIN, they’re among the most reliable sources to confirm your car’s exact type and configuration.

Check the car itself

Your vehicle carries multiple labels and badges that reveal model, trim, body style, and more.

• Badges/emblems: Rear deck or tailgate often shows model, trim (e.g., SE, XLE), drivetrain (AWD/4MATIC/quattro), and fuel type (Hybrid, PHEV, EV).
• VIN plate/etching: Visible at the base of the windshield (driver side), on the driver‑door jamb, and sometimes stamped in the engine bay.
• Certification label (driver‑door jamb, US/Canada): Lists VIN, build date, and vehicle type (Passenger Car, MPV, Truck), plus GVWR/GAWR.
• Emissions label (underside of hood or near radiator): Shows engine family and fuel (e.g., gasoline, diesel, flex‑fuel).
• Tire and loading placard (door jamb): Can indicate model variants via tire sizes and load ratings.
• Infotainment/about screen: Some cars display model, trim, and software build in system settings.
• Build sheet (occasionally in trunk/spare tire well or under seats): Lists factory options and codes.

If badges are missing or altered, the door‑jamb certification label and emissions label are difficult to fake and are excellent sources for confirming type.

Use online tools and apps

VIN decoders and manufacturer portals translate your 17‑character VIN into make, model, year, engine, body style, and more.

• NHTSA VIN Decoder (vinrcl.safercar.gov): Free, official US tool that identifies make/model/year, recalls, and equipment.
• Manufacturer owner portals: Many brands let you create an account and fetch build details by VIN.
• OEM parts catalogs: Dealer or brand parts sites decode VIN to show exact engine, trim, and option codes.
• Vehicle history reports (Carfax/AutoCheck in North America): Summarize year, body style, engine, and market spec.
• Diagnostic apps with Bluetooth OBD‑II adapters: Some read the ECU’s build/option data by VIN.

Cross‑checking at least two sources (e.g., NHTSA and the manufacturer portal) helps confirm accuracy, especially for imported or modified vehicles.

Reading the VIN (the most precise method)

All modern road cars have a 17‑character VIN. Each section encodes specific information that can reveal your car’s type down to engine and body style.

1. Positions 1–3: World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI)—the maker and country/region.
2. Positions 4–8: Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)—model, body style, restraint system, and engine (varies by brand).
3. Position 9: Check digit (verifies the VIN’s validity).
4. Position 10: Model year code (alphanumeric; cycles every 30 years).
5. Position 11: Assembly plant.
6. Positions 12–17: Serial/production sequence.

With the VIN, official decoders can output the exact model, body type, engine, and often trim. The 10th character is particularly useful for confirming model year at a glance.

Common 10th‑character model year codes (recent years)

Use these to quickly spot model year; note that letters I, O, Q, U, and Z are typically skipped.

• 2018: J
• 2019: K
• 2020: L
• 2021: M
• 2022: N
• 2023: P
• 2024: R
• 2025: S

If your 10th character differs (e.g., older vehicle), consult a full VIN year chart or use an official decoder to avoid confusion with earlier cycles.

Visual cues to body style

If paperwork isn’t handy, you can often determine body style by its shape and cargo layout.

• Sedan: Four doors, separate trunk; fixed rear parcel shelf.
• Hatchback: Two or four doors plus a rear hatch; cargo area opens with the glass.
• Coupe: Two doors, sloping roofline; some modern “four‑door coupes” blur this line.
• Convertible/Cabriolet: Retractable soft or hard top; reinforced windshield frame.
• Wagon/Estate: Extended roof with a rear hatch; larger cargo area than a hatchback.
  
• SUV: Higher ground clearance; often body‑on‑frame (traditional) or unibody (modern); upright seating.
• Crossover (CUV): Unibody SUV‑like vehicle on a car platform; ride height between car and SUV.
• Pickup/Truck: Open cargo bed; cab styles include regular, extended, and crew.
• Minivan/MPV: Sliding rear doors; three rows; flat floor and configurable seats.

While marketing terms can blur the categories, the trunk or hatch design, ride height, and door layout are reliable visual indicators.

Clarifying drivetrain and fuel type

Beyond body style, “type” often includes what turns the wheels and what powers the engine.

• Drivetrain: FWD (front‑wheel drive), RWD (rear‑wheel drive), AWD/4WD (all‑ or four‑wheel drive); often found on rear badges and the window sticker.
• Fuel/propulsion: Gasoline, diesel, hybrid (HEV), plug‑in hybrid (PHEV), battery electric (BEV); check the fuel door label and emissions sticker.
• Charging/fuel ports: A charge port door indicates EV/PHEV; DEF cap indicates diesel with aftertreatment.

For exact confirmation, the emissions label and VIN decoding provide definitive drivetrain and fuel information across markets.

Edge cases and international notes

Certain situations can complicate identification; here’s how to handle them.

• Debadged or modified cars: Rely on VIN, certification label, and emissions tag.
• Grey imports/private imports: Use manufacturer global VIN decoding and regional owner forums.
• Regional naming differences: One model may have different names across markets; VIN and body codes clarify.
• Commercial classifications: In the US, door‑jamb labels may say Passenger Car versus MPV/Truck for similar bodies.
• Paperwork terminology: UK V5C/EU registration lists vehicle category codes; Australia lists body type on the rego label/records.

When in doubt, default to the VIN and an official decoder or contact the manufacturer with your VIN for a build specification sheet.

When to ask a pro

If you still can’t pin it down—or need documentation—professionals can identify and certify your vehicle type.

• Dealer parts/service department: Can print a build sheet from your VIN and confirm trim/options.
• Manufacturer customer service: Often provides official specifications via email with proof of ownership.
• Independent mechanic or body shop: Experienced techs can spot generation, engine family, and body style quickly.
• DMV/licensing authority: Can clarify official classification used for registration and insurance.

Professional confirmation is especially useful before ordering parts, insuring the vehicle, or verifying compliance in a new country/region.

Summary

To tell your car type, start with the registration or insurance card and the VIN on your car. Decode the VIN with an official tool to get make, model, year, body style, engine, drivetrain, and trim. Cross‑check with on‑car labels (door‑jamb certification and emissions stickers) and, if needed, visual cues. For edge cases like debadged or imported cars, rely on the VIN and manufacturer resources or ask a dealer to print your build sheet.

How can I tell my vehicle type?

The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): As a last resort, the vehicle’s VIN will generally tell the full details of your vehicle make, model, and trim level. The VIN also commonly includes specifics about manufacturing location and other attributes unique to your vehicle.

How do I find out my type of car?

Enter your number plate into the CarAnalytics Car Spec Check tool, and it’ll instantly reveal your car’s make, model, fuel type, engine size, and more. Can I get my car specs by reg plate? Yes, absolutely. Simply type your registration number into a car spec checker like CarAnalytics.

Can I lookup my vehicle specs by VIN number?

Yes, you can look up your vehicle specifications using your VIN number with a VIN decoder tool. These tools provide information such as the year, make, model, trim, engine type, drivetrain, and installed options for your vehicle. You can find VIN decoders on auto parts store websites, manufacturer sites, and government portals like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). 
How to find your VIN and use a decoder

1. Locate your VIN: Your 17-digit VIN can be found on a metal plate on the dashboard visible through the windshield on the driver’s side, or on a label in the driver-side doorjamb. 
2. Choose a VIN decoder: You can use a free VIN decoder, such as those offered by AutoZone.com, Mopar, or the NHTSA. 
3. Enter your VIN: Go to the website of your chosen decoder and enter the 17-character VIN into the provided field. 
4. View your specifications: The decoder will then provide a breakdown of your vehicle’s details, including its factory specifications and options. 

What information can you get? 

• General Vehicle Details: Year, make, model, and trim level.
• Engine & Drivetrain: Engine size, type, transmission, and drivetrain configuration.
• Manufacturing Details: Country of origin and assembly plant.
• Installed Options: Factory options, packages, and special features.
• Safety Features: Recalls and other safety-related information.

How do I find out what type of car I have?

To find out your car’s make and type, look for exterior emblems, check the owner’s manual, or find the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on your dashboard, doorjamb, or registration. A VIN is a unique 17-character code that can be entered into an online VIN decoder tool (from sites like CARFAX or J.D. Power) to reveal the year, make, model, trim, and other details of your vehicle.
 
Quick Visual Check 

1. Look for emblems: Most cars have the manufacturer’s logo or name on the exterior, often on the front or back of the vehicle.
2. Check the owner’s manual: The manual’s front cover or first few pages typically list the make, model, and trim of the car.

Using the VIN

1. Locate the VIN:
   • Dashboard: The VIN is on a metal plate on the driver’s side of the dashboard, visible through the windshield. 
   • Doorjamb: It can also be found on a sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb. 
   • Documents: The VIN is listed on your car’s registration and title documents. 
2. Find a VIN Decoder: Go to a website that offers free VIN lookup services, such as those from AutoZone, CARFAX, or J.D. Power. 
3. Enter the VIN: Input the 17-character VIN into the decoder tool. 
4. Get your vehicle information: The tool will provide a report detailing your car’s year, make, model, trim level, engine, and other features.